Low Sodium Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Total time40 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time20 min

Crispy, golden chicken cutlets get their crunch from a three-step breading of flour, egg, and panko mixed with grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder — no deep fryer required. The air fryer does all the work, turning out cutlets with a shatter-crisp crust and juicy, tender chicken underneath in under 15 minutes. A generous spoonful of marinara and a blanket of melty mozzarella finish each piece right in the basket, bubbling and golden before it hits your plate. Torn fresh basil on top adds a bright, herby finish that balances the rich sauce and cheese beautifully. This one's a genuinely satisfying dinner that fits neatly into an added salt-conscious kitchen, letting the Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning carry all the flavor. It's the kind of weeknight recipe you'll want on repeat — quick, crunchy, and full of classic chicken Parmesan comfort.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

Ingredients

4 servings

For the chicken

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb total)
Kroger Uncooked Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Foster Farms Simply Raised Simply Raised Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Fillets Simple Truth Natural Thin-Sliced Boneless and Skinless Chicken Breast Cutlets Signature Farms Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Value Pack - 3.5 Lb PERDUE FRESH CUTS Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Strips Traypack - 1.25 Lbs
See all
½ tsp kosher salt
Chef's tip
Season to taste - salt substitutes can taste bitter in larger amounts, so start with less.
¼ tsp black pepper

For the breading

½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Chef's tip
Regular bread crumbs are finer and less crunchy than panko. Use the same amount; coatings and toppings will be a bit denser and less crisp.
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Chef's tip
Choose a grated-style vegan parmesan and use the same amount.
1 tsp italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
olive oil spray

For the topping

1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Chef's tip
Use low-moisture mozzarella and shred before measuring.

For serving

2 tbsp fresh basil, torn (optional)

Instructions

1
Halve each chicken breast horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets. Place each cutlet between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with the salt and pepper.
2
Set up a three-bowl breading station: flour in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and panko combined with the grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in the third.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!